Soups & sauces

Gravy, chicken, dry

FDC 171567tbsp (8 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 7 · -3 vs Soups & sauces median

This dry chicken gravy mix scores 7 of 100, placing it in the Low band at rank 36 of 60 soups and sauces, below the category median of 10. Reconstituted from powder, it still shows an excellent 23% of the daily value for protein per serving, alongside good showings for calcium at 11% and magnesium at 10%.

It is whisked with water or stock and poured over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted meats, with a tablespoon of the dry mix as the base measure before reconstitution. It is high in sodium at 4150 mg per 100 g, among the saltier items in the category, and sauce, duck, ready-to-serve is one same-category option that scores higher.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around gravy, chicken, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 11.3 g · 12%Carb 62.1 g · 65%Fat 9.7 g · 23%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories381 kcal19%
Total fat9.7 g12%
Saturated fat2.9 g15%
Cholesterol19 mg6%
Sodium4150 mg180%
Carbohydrate62 g23%
Dietary fiber-
Sugars-
Protein11 g23%
Potassium404 mg9%
Calcium146 mg11%
Iron1.3 mg7%
Magnesium40 mg10%
Vitamin C0.6 mg1%
Vitamin A38 µg4%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171567

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein23% DV
Calcium11% DV
Magnesium10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density7 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g11 vs 3.1 median
Sodium / 100 g4150 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Sauce, duck, ready-to-serveDensity 7 vs 7Sauce, cheese sauce mix, dryDensity 8 vs 7Gravy, mushroom, cannedDensity 8 vs 7

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Dry chicken gravy is a powdered mix of dehydrated stock, fat, starch, and seasonings meant to be whisked with water or milk and simmered briefly until it thickens into a pourable gravy, the kind ladled over mashed potatoes, biscuits, turkey, or fried chicken. Because it starts as a shelf-stable powder, it's a common pantry staple for quick weeknight dinners or holiday sides when a from-scratch pan gravy made from drippings isn't practical or the roast didn't leave enough behind to build one properly.

Store the dry mix in a cool, dry pantry in its sealed packet or an airtight container, once mixed with liquid and cooked, refrigerate any leftovers and use within a few days rather than letting the finished gravy sit at room temperature. Measured dry, it delivers 381 calories per 100 g along with 11.3 g of protein, about 23% DV, plus 11% DV calcium and 10% DV magnesium per 100 g, figures that reflect the concentrated, dehydrated powder before water is whisked in and it's diluted down into a thinner, pourable sauce. Its sodium is high at 4,150 mg per 100 g dry weight, so it's used sparingly, typically a tablespoon (8 g) whisked into a cup of liquid, and rarely needs extra salt once prepared and poured over the plate.

Frequently asked questions about gravy, chicken

How many calories are in dry chicken gravy mix?

The dry mix has 381 calories per 100 g, though this concentrated measure dilutes considerably once water is whisked in and cooked.

Is chicken gravy mix a good source of protein?

The dry powder provides 11.3 g of protein per 100 g, about 23% of the Daily Value, though a prepared portion is much smaller once mixed with water.

Is dry chicken gravy high in sodium?

Yes, it's 4,150 mg of sodium per 100 g dry, so no extra salt is typically needed once it's prepared.

View the USDA source record